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Philadelphia, PA - Mayor Jim Kenney today helped launch a new meal service program at the Hub of Hope, a service center for Philadelphia’s homeless population in Center City. The center, a joint initiative by the City of Philadelphia, Project HOME and SEPTA opened in January in Suburban Station. The meal service is being offered through a partnership with Broad Street Ministry and Philabundance.

“When we envisioned the Hub of Hope, we wanted it to be a Hub for services for those in need, but also a Hub for organizations looking to work together to serve others,” said Mayor Kenney. “With partnerships like Broad Street Ministry and Philabundance, we are starting to realize that call.”

Broad Street Ministry will manage the service, which includes creating a great dining experience, recruiting volunteers and setting up the space, while Philabundance will provide 300 meals a day. Project HOME will also be on site to during the meals to help guests get connected to other services available at the Hub of Hope. Dinner will be served on Friday and Saturdays from 4 pm to 6 pm, however starting June 3rd, meals will be available on Sunday evenings. Over the next year, the Hub of Hope will expand to provide dinner 7 days a week.

Mike Dahl, Executive Director of Broad Street Ministry said, “We believe that there should be a seat at the table for everyone, and those who have the least should be seated first. That is why we were so excited to join these partners contribute to a welcoming and hospitable space at the Hub of Hope that treats our most vulnerable, resilient neighbors with dignity and respect.”

“Solving the problem of hunger and homelessness in our region requires collaborations among various entities, including non-profits, government, businesses and philanthropies,” said Glenn Bergman, Executive Director of Philabundance. “Hub of Hope is one of the best examples of collaborations that work. Philabundance is honored to be part of the team proving this suite of services to those in need. “

Sr. Mary Scullion, Executive Director of Project HOME said “we are proud and grateful to partner with the City of Philadelphia, Broad Street Ministry and Philabundance to provide critically needed meals and services to people experiencing homelessness. We are delighted to celebrate the work of BSM and Philabundance as they provide healthy and delicious weekend dinners at the Hub of Hope.”

Hub of Hope services between 325-375 people every day. In order to expand meals, the center is now looking for assistance from churches, school groups, neighborhood organizations, sports teams, and anyone else to cook and serve meals here.